Bhubaneswar:On National Sports Day 2025, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship by recognising the achievements of over thousands of young athletes trained and supported through its grassroots initiatives. The company is nurturing a vibrant sporting culture by promoting grassroots talent, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing employee well-being.
Across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Vedanta Aluminium’s wide-ranging initiatives in football, hockey, martial arts, cricket, and community tournaments are nurturing grassroots talent, strengthening bonds, and empowering youth to dream beyond limitations.
In Kalahandi, a region once marked by extreme deprivation, Vedanta’s Archery Training Program has nurtured more than 100 young archers since 2018, providing structured coaching, equipment, nutrition, and guidance from national-level athletes. Supported by Olympian mentor Rahul Banerjee and partnerships with local associations and schools, the initiative has seen promising talents such as Juli Majhi and Sanjay Majhi excel on state and national platforms.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe sports go beyond fitness or skill. They build discipline, teamwork, and confidence, shaping the bold leaders of tomorrow. Our initiatives across Odisha and Chhattisgarh not only nurture grassroots talent but also strengthen community bonds and promote holistic well-being, that is beneficial to all in the long-term. We are proud to champion this culture of sporting excellence as part of our commitment to inclusive growth and vibrant communities.”
Across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Vedanta Aluminium has embedded sports into community development, employee well-being, and youth empowerment:· Lanjigarh, Odisha: The Annual Indoor Games Tournament at Vedanta’s alumina refinery brought together employees and families for spirited contests in arm wrestling, chess, table tennis, and carrom, strengthening camaraderie and wellness. Jharsuguda, Odisha: At India’s largest aluminium smelter, the Martial Arts Training Centre has coached over 110 children in karate and taekwondo. The company also hosted the Inter-State Girls Hockey Tournament and Vedanta Badminton Tournament, while expert-led grappling and badminton camps honed skills for over 100 youth. Investments in township gyms, courts, and open fields ensure access to high-quality sporting infrastructure.
Vedanta Aluminium Mines, Odisha: Community football tournaments in Lakhanpur and Kuraloi attracted hundreds of rural youth, while cricket and school tournaments benefitted over 1,500 participants through kits, jerseys, and prizes, fostering talent and inter-community unity.
BALCO, Chhattisgarh: At Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), Vedanta’s subsidiary, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Balconagar records a monthly footfall of 9,000, hosting cricket, volleyball, basketball, hockey, kabaddi, and taekwondo. Popular events such as the BALCO Premier League and distribution of sports kits further strengthen a thriving culture of fitness and competition.Vedanta Aluminium’s sport-led initiatives reflect its enduring promise to invest in local potential, create inclusive opportunities, and pave the way for future champions. With continued expansion of programs in archery, athletics, football, cricket, martial arts, and more, Vedanta is transforming regional aspirations, ensuring that communities once defined by limitation are now celebrated for what they dare to become.
